Pragmatic Play has once again captivated players with its latest anime-inspired slot game, Starlight Princess. Released on September 23, 2021, this game offers a unique combination of Pay Anywhere mechanics, cascading reels, and multiplier symbols, making it an exciting choice for those seeking both high volatility and thrilling gameplay. But does Starlight Princess live up to expectations? In this review, we’ll delve deep into the features, mechanics, and potential rewards, giving you a comprehensive look at what this slot has to offer.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Pragmatic Play |
| Reels | 6 |
| Rows | 5 |
| Paylines | Scatter Pays (no paylines, symbols pay anywhere) |
| RTP | 96.50% (with variations of 95.51% and 94.50%) |
| Max Win | 5,000x the stake |
| Volatility | High (5/5 rating) |
| Min/Max Bet | €0.20 / €100 per spin |
| Ante Bet Feature | Available, increases stake by 25%, doubles chance for free spins |
| Free Spins Trigger | 4 or more scatter symbols landing anywhere |
| Initial Free Spins | 15 free spins |
| Free Spins Re-trigger | 3 or more scatters = +5 additional free spins |
| Multiplier Symbols | Multiplies winnings by x2 to x500 |
| Tumble Feature | Winning symbols disappear and new symbols fall into place |
| Multipliers in Free Spins | Add to the total multiplier after each win |
| Symbols | Gems, stars, moons, hearts, and suns |
| Max Payout for Scatter Symbols | Up to 100x the bet for 6 scatter symbols |
| Bonus Buy Option | Not available |
| Mobile Compatibility | Available on both Android and iOS devices |
| Game Release Date | September 23, 2021 |
| Licensing Authorities | eCOGRA, iTechLabs, Quinel, GLI, BMM Testlabs, NMi |
Game Overview
Starlight Princess transports players to a dreamy, anime-inspired world where the charming titular princess helps you unlock magical wins. This slot boasts a 6-reel, 5-row layout, and unlike traditional slots, it employs the Pay Anywhere mechanic. This feature means that matching symbols do not need to align on specific paylines to deliver wins. Instead, as long as at least 8 matching symbols appear anywhere on the screen, you are in for a payout.
Game Theme and Visuals
The design of Starlight Princess is heavily influenced by anime and manga art styles, featuring a celestial backdrop with stars, a glowing moon, and a mystical tower. The wide-eyed princess, flapping her wings in the center of the screen, is a central figure in the game, and the entire visual experience is dreamy and immersive.
While Starlight Princess closely resembles Pragmatic Play’s previous game, Gates of Olympus, the theme, characters, and music give it a distinct, whimsical charm that anime and manga fans will appreciate.
RTP, Volatility, and Max Win
- RTP: 96.50% (with variations of 95.51% and 94.50% on some versions).
- Volatility: High (rated 5/5 by Pragmatic Play).
- Max Win: 5,000x the stake.
This high volatility slot promises large rewards but requires patience, as you might have to wait for the right combination of multipliers and free spins to trigger substantial payouts. The max win of 5,000x the bet is achievable, although it’s more realistic than the massive figures seen in games like Sweet Bonanza.
Gameplay Mechanics
Pay Anywhere Mechanic
Starlight Princess deviates from the norm by using the Pay Anywhere mechanic, which means you don’t need to worry about traditional paylines. Instead, 8 matching symbols anywhere on the reels trigger a win. This feature increases your chances of hitting winning combinations, especially when combined with the Tumbling Reels feature.
Tumbling Reels
After a winning combination is formed, the Tumbling Reels mechanic activates. Winning symbols disappear, and the remaining symbols cascade down to fill the gaps, potentially creating more wins. This continues as long as winning combinations keep forming, leading to multiple consecutive payouts in a single spin.
Multiplier Symbols
The game features multiplier symbols that appear during both the base game and Free Spins. These winged heart symbols can multiply your winnings by up to x500. They can appear during the Tumbling Reels, and when they land, their values are added up and applied to the total win. This can lead to significant payouts, especially if you’ve accumulated a large multiplier.
Free Spins Feature
To trigger the Free Spins feature, you’ll need to land 4 or more scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. This will award you 15 free spins, where the multiplier symbols play a crucial role in boosting your wins. Additionally, if 3 or more scatters land during the Free Spins round, you will receive an extra 5 spins, giving you even more opportunities to win.
During Free Spins, a total multiplier is displayed on the left side of the screen, which increases each time a multiplier symbol lands. The more multiplier symbols you collect, the higher your total multiplier, which can lead to a massive payout by the end of the round.
Ante Bet
For those looking to increase their chances of triggering the Free Spins round, the Ante Bet feature is available. By increasing your stake by 25%, you double the likelihood of triggering the Free Spins feature. This is a useful option for players who want to increase the frequency of free spins without drastically altering their overall betting strategy.
Mobile Compatibility
One of the standout features of Starlight Princess is its seamless mobile compatibility. Built on the HTML5 platform, the game is fully optimized for both Android and iOS devices. Whether you’re playing on a smartphone or tablet, the graphics and gameplay remain smooth and engaging, ensuring a top-tier experience on the go. The mobile version offers the same features, including the Pay Anywhere mechanic, cascading reels, and multiplier symbols, giving you all the action you need no matter where you are.
How to Play Starlight Princess
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set Your Bet: Choose your bet size, ranging from $0.20 to $100 per spin. This makes it suitable for a wide variety of players.
- Spin the Reels: Click the Spin button to start the game. Alternatively, you can use the Autoplay feature to let the game spin automatically for a set number of rounds.
- Wait for Winning Combinations: Wins are triggered when 8 or more matching symbols land anywhere on the screen.
- Activate Tumbling Reels: After a win, the Tumbling Reels feature will take over, and the reels will continue to drop new symbols.
- Trigger Free Spins: Land 4 or more scatter symbols to trigger 15 free spins. During this round, collect multiplier symbols to increase your total multiplier and boost your winnings.
- Use the Ante Bet: If you want to increase your chances of triggering free spins, activate the Ante Bet feature to boost your stake by 25%.
Why You Should Play Starlight Princess
Advantages
- Unique Pay Anywhere Mechanic: Unlike traditional slots, Starlight Princess allows you to win with matching symbols anywhere on the reels.
- High Win Potential: The multiplier symbols and Tumbling Reels can lead to big wins, especially during the Free Spins feature.
- High Volatility: For thrill-seekers, this slot offers high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
- Free Spins: With the chance to earn additional spins during the Free Spins round, you can significantly increase your winnings.
- Appealing Theme: The anime/manga theme and the charming Starlight Princess character will appeal to fans of this genre.
- Mobile Friendly: The game runs smoothly on all devices, ensuring you can enjoy it wherever you are.
Demo and Real Money Play Options
Demo Mode
Before committing real money, you can try Starlight Princess in demo mode. This version lets you play without any financial risk while still experiencing all the features and mechanics the game has to offer.
Real Money Mode
For those ready to stake real money, Starlight Princess offers the chance to win up to 5,000x your stake, with the added excitement of multipliers and Free Spins. You can play this game for real money at any online casino that offers Pragmatic Play slots.
Bonuses You Can Use for Starlight Princess
Many online casinos offer bonus codes that can be used to enhance your gameplay in Starlight Princess. Here are some bonuses you can claim:
- Melbet: Use the code VIVABONO for up to $1750 Bonus + 290 Free Spins.
- 1xSlots: Use the code VIVABONO to get a 150% First Deposit Bonus up to $450 + 100 Free Spins.
These bonuses can provide extra funds and free spins, giving you more opportunities to enjoy the game and increase your chances of hitting a big win.
Final Verdict
Starlight Princess is an entertaining and visually stunning slot that combines the best of anime style with Pragmatic Play’s innovative mechanics. While it may not offer anything drastically new compared to other slots in the genre, it provides plenty of excitement with its Pay Anywhere mechanic, Tumbling Reels, and high multipliers. Fans of anime and manga, as well as those who enjoy high volatility, will find this game particularly appealing.
